US Temporarily Approves Sale of AIM-9X Air-to-Air Missiles to Korean Government

On the 15th (local time), the U.S. government tentatively approved the sale of AIM-9X 'Sidewinder' air-to-air missiles to South Korea through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the U.S. Department of Defense announced that the State Department approved South Korea's request to purchase AIM-9X missiles and related equipment worth $52.1 million (approximately 68 billion KRW). The final sale will be executed after congressional approval, which is expected to be granted without significant issues.

The South Korean government requested the purchase of 42 AIM-9X missiles and 10 training missiles.

DSCA stated, "The proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy objectives and national security goals by enhancing the security of a key ally that helps maintain political stability and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region."

It added that the sale will strengthen South Korea's capabilities to respond to current and future threats and further improve interoperability with the United States and other allies.

DSCA also asserted that the South Korean military will face no difficulties in acquiring the missiles and that this sale will not alter the fundamental military balance in the region.